The DARK Side of Fame: What Really Happened to Keira Knightley After Pirates of the Caribbean?

Keira Knightley has recently revealed the price she had to pay for her fame after Pirates of the Caribbean success. In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, the Atonement star talked about the perils of stardom she faced in her early 20s. Knightley, who was just 17 when she first appeared in the 2003 blockbuster film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, quickly became a household name and went on to star in two more films in the franchise. However, her newfound fame came with a cost.

According to Knightley, the intense media scrutiny and constant attention from fans took a toll on her mental health. At just 20 years old, she found herself dealing with the pressures of fame and the constant need to be "on". The actress recalled feeling like she was living in a "goldfish bowl" with every move she made being watched and analyzed by the media and the public.

"It was a really difficult time for me," Knightley said in the interview. "I was so young and I didn't know how to deal with it all. I felt like I was losing myself in the process."

Despite her struggles with fame, Knightley continued to act in a number of successful films, including Pride and Prejudice and Atonement. However, she has also been open about her decision to take a step back from the spotlight and focus on her personal life.

Today, Knightley is married to musician James Righton and the couple has two daughters together. While she still acts in films and television shows, she has said that she values her private life and is more selective about the projects she takes on.

Knightley's experience with fame serves as a reminder of the darker side of stardom. While many people dream of becoming famous, the reality is that it can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, especially for young people. As Knightley's story shows, even the most successful stars can struggle with the pressures of fame and the constant need for attention.